What is the Board of Ethics ("OCBE")?

The purpose of the OCBE is to ensure County officers and employees adhere to Local Law No. 9 of 2018, entitled the Orange County Ethics and Disclosure Law and known as the “County Ethics Law”. The County Ethics Law states, “Officers and employees of the County of Orange hold their positions to serve and benefit the public and not for obtaining unwarranted personal or private gain in the exercise and performance of their official powers and duties. 

 The OCBE is comprised of 7 members appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the Orange County Legislature. The major responsibilities of the OCBE are:  

  • rendering Advisory Opinions to County officers and employees regarding ethics and conflicts of interest under the County Ethics Law;
  • receiving and acting on complaints/allegations from the general public, County officers or employees;
  • reviewing all Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure forms (“Disclosure Forms”); and
  • administering all provisions of the County Ethics Law.

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1. What is the Board of Ethics ("OCBE")?
2. What are the requirements to be an OCBE member?
3. Who are the current members of the OCBE?
4. Are the Board meetings open to the public?
5. Who can report a violation of the County Ethics Law?
6. How do I report a violation or inquiry to the OCBE?
7. Will my inquiry/report of violation be kept confidential?
8. What is a gift or “financial benefit”?
9. What is confidential information and can County employees and officers disclose such information?
10. What is a conflict of interest?
11. Can County employees and officers seek or accept private employment?
12. What do I do if I am not sure if working a part time job creates a conflict or impairs the proper discharge of my official duties?
13. Are there restrictions on future employment?
14. Are there any exceptions to this rule?
15. What are the penalties for violating the COUNTY ETHICS LAW?
16. Who must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure Form?
17. Where can I find a Disclosure form?
18. When do I need to file?
19. Where do I send my Disclosure Form?
20. Is my Disclosure Form subject to the New York State Freedom Of Information Law ("FOIL")?